My interest in Nature & wildlife dates from Childhood. I was regular in conservation related activity for college days whether its wildlife census or other activities. I did Naturalist certification course conducted by Jungle lodges & Resorts Karnataka, also did Certified Volunteer course conducted by Karnataka Forest Department & Eco tourism board. Photography came late, but naturally into my life. Once I got into nature photography, it was easy for me to move into it, as my engineering background & being Naturalist help me.

2. What is the role of new technology and medium in photography?

The residents of “Khichan”, a small village in Indian state of Rajasthan, have a special affinity to these Demoiselle cranes (Grus Virgo) called “Khurja” in the local language. The arrival of the birds is considered auspicious and several ballads celebrate the importance of these birds in the culture of Rajasthan. Few Decade years ago, the villagers started putting grain out for the few dozen birds that stopped over during their migration from breeding grounds in Eurasia. Over these years number of winter visitors grown to about 20 thousands.I wanted to portray the birds from the perspective of the spread out Grain by an ultra low – ultra wide angle. I dug small hole in ground so that camera can be placed inside with fisheye lens front element at ground level also made postcard size diffuser over external flash. This was not an easy task. The birds, even though they were habituated to the Human scape, would not venture within 5-6 feet of the camera hidden away in a well camouflaged cardboard box and buried under the ground.Ultimately I left the box for a couple of months to allow the cranes to become habituated to this. During my last visit towards end of winter, the proximity of the birds to the camera was unbelievable. They came in droves exploring the lens and pecking at it. This brought its own unique challenge. If the first few frames were not suitable, the rest would be unusable as the lens would be covered with dust, feather & foot marks. During post processing I had removed dust marks.Camera Gear: Canon 7D ; lens canon 8-15mm f/4 fisheye at 10mm ; Exposure 1/160sec; f/16 ; ISO 800; External flash EC -1/3; Remote trigger with Camranger deviceLocation: Khichan, western Rajasthan, India

In recent times technology is changing very fast, also in the field of photography. Today everyone is a photographer, those who own smartphones or stand-alone camera. In photography advancement of technology has made many things possible which was not possible before. Today camera’s high ISO performance makes shooting possible at late evening time, earlier we used to pack up camera bags those times. In-camera Multiple exposure, HDR, etc. creates opportunities to make new images.

The residents of “Khichan”, a small village in Indian state of Rajasthan, have a special affinity to these Demoiselle cranes (Grus Virgo) called “Khurja” in the local language. The arrival of the birds is considered auspicious and several ballads celebrate the importance of these birds in the culture of Rajasthan. Few Decade years ago, the villagers started putting grain out for the few dozen birds that stopped over during their migration from breeding grounds in Eurasia. Over these years number of winter visitors grown to about 20 thousands.Central to the spectacle is the spreading of JOWAR (millets, a form of grain) in a protected enclosure called Chugga ghar (or the feeding house ). Every morning at first light, cranes in Rows of v shapes would come from every direction, sky will be filled with sea of cranes, the birds descending into the dunes or grounds around feeding house. Then one group entered the enclosure, others would follow. Meanwhile other cranes wait patiently for their turn outside enclosure. I had setup camera with wide angle lens on ground well camouflaged such that, these Marching crane army walks till camera before taking leap to clear 7ft high fence to enter into Chugga ghar.Camera Gear: Canon 7D; lens Tokina 11-16 mm f/2.8 II at 11mm ; Exposure 1/2000sec; f/11; ISO 640; 1 No’s external flash (580EXII, -1), Remote trigger with Camranger deviceLocation: Khichan, western Rajasthan, India

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3. Anything specific that you want to share with people.

I see many new photographers devote too much time in discussion over various brands of camera or technical aspects of it. Every new model with few additional Megapixel or extra fps draws more attention. But Advancement of technology can’t replace knowledge of your genre of photography. You can be successful wedding photographer only if you know detail customs of wedding you are planning to shoot. You can’t be better fashion photographer if you don’t know the latest trends in fashion. Similar we can be better nature photographers if we have deep knowledge about our subjects of interest, because it’s all about anticipating moment well in advance. So to be better nature photographer we need to be a naturalist first, otherwise instead of doing good to nature by your photography, you will end up harming nature because of our ignorance.

4. What gives you motivation to go out and click despite having busy schedules.

My desire to capture nature in new or different perspectives or derives me to go out in wilderness again & again. I had developed remote controlled buggy & developed dslr camera trap systems to capture wildlife in innovative ways. I try to manage balance between my work, my family and my passion, which is very important.

About Yashpal Rathore :

Yashpal Rathore, is an Electrical engineer by qualification, but a naturalist and an avid nature photographer by choice.

To enrich his knowledge for wildlife behaviour, he undertook the “Certified Naturalist training” conducted by Jungle lodges & Resort, a Karnataka govt. enterprise in the year 2008. Being a Certified Naturalist, he conducts weekend bird walking & photography tours in India & Africa and introduce new people to basic of photography & nature. The joy derived out of providing orientation on these subjects to young people encouraged him to educate himself more in this field. Subsequently he did the “Certified Volunteer course” jointly conducted by Karnataka forest Department & Karnataka Eco tourism Board in the year 2013. These certifications provided him the opportunity to take part in forest management and participate in activities like Wildlife census, Bird survey, forest fire fighting and other conservation activities.

He has visited the far-flung corners of India & Africa to be amidst Nature. These visits have given him an intimate insight into the dynamics and diversity of nature. He wanted to capture Indian wildlife in new perspective by innovative means. As he grew as nature photographer his photographs began receiving recognition & awards, National & International forums. He sells his work through leading UK based nature stock agency www.naturepl.com.

The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) rise 33-m above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. The walls, built in 1638, were designed to keep out invaders, now they mainly keep out the noise and confusion of the city.

The main gate, Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd on each Independence Day.

The vaulted arcade of Chatta Chowk, a bazaar selling tourist trinkets, leads into the huge fort compound. Inside is a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public Audiences, the white marble Hall of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Bathsand Palace of Color.

About World wide photowalk

1-The walk is on Saturday, 07th October and will start from the entrance of the RedFort gate at 8.00 am, and will end at 10.00 am .

2-May we request you to be on time to start the walk in time?

3-This HPw will be a combination of interesting and unknown facts about the fort and Indian history. For this, we will have a trained walk leader with us

4-We will end the walk with breakfast (indian paranthas) at the Paranthe wali gali. ( Payment to be made directly)

Ways to reach:

5-By car: It is best to park the car at the Meena Bazaar parking or Jama Masjid parking. It being a morning time, it is possible it may take some time before you get the parking. So coming a little early helps.

6-By metro: Chandni Chowk metro station and a rickshaw ride from there.

Kindly note

7-There is no fee other then the entry tickets;

8- Ticket for camera etc., to enter any specific monument will have to be borne by the individual.

8-Any sort of soliciting or promoting any product or service among the photowalkers is a strict NO. These photowalks are to encourage amateurs and beginners to come out and enjoy photography, please help us maintain the spirit.

About Delhi Photography Club

AboutDelhiPhotography Club people fondly call us DPC

DPC is a platform for Beginners , hobbyists , Amateurs and Enthusiast photographers. We have complete solution for your photography needs . DPC organizes Workshops ( Basic, Intermediate and advanced ), Heritage Photowalks to keep you active in photography , Photo Bus trips to various locations around Delhi (typically 300-400 km) , Exhibitions to showcase your selected pictures and Community connect programs to give back to society (teaching underprivileged kids and other people to express themselves creatively.

DPC Membership

Agenda of DPC membership is to keep you active in the game and helps you to block your calendar in advance and helps you to meet like minded people and learn from peers. Cost of the membership is Rs 10000 for 365 days /one year. Helps you to meet and connect with senior photographers from the industry and helps you to get constructive feedback on your progress and growth in photography.

Join Beginners Photography Workshop

DPC organises Beginners Photography Workshop and it is for 5 Sundays , every Sunday there is a class for 2 hours . Our Beginners workshop is not just Beginners workshop but it kick starts photography and it helps you to solve small issues and larger confusion of your day today photography. If you cannot commit 5 Sundays , no problem once you start this workshop this workshop is free for you for next Five months . Join unlimited classes , unlimited outdoor sessions till the time your are not proficient with your camera. Please feel free to come . Just call and confirm the class time and rush.

Join Intermediate Level and Advanced level Workshop

DPC organises 6 days workshop spread across 3 weekends (3 hours *6 classes) on Advanced Composition and Art of framing : street Photography , a new batch starts every month . This will help you in identify frames and will give in-depth knowledge of what to click rather than thinking what to click.

DPC organises various one day and two days workshops , these workshops are topic specific (like lightroom, studio lighting , star trails and so on) and we have 2.5 Months foundation course , 3 months Travel photography course and 3 months dedicated course on wedding Photography.

Meet the Real people from the world of Photography this week we are featuring Shiva SS

We are featuring people who are hobbyist or professionals photographers and we think they are worth sharing of Delhi Photography Club Fan page .

The selection is purely at the Discretion of Founders and owners of Delhi Photography Club.

Shiva SS | Fashion Celebrity Photographer

1) How you started your photography?

I never thought that I will take up photography as my career as it was just my hidden hobby from childhood.

I got my first camera when I was in 11th standard as a gift from a tourist in Goa. From then onwards, I have started clicking using Konica reel.

I wished to become an entrepreneur. After completing my 12th standard, I have started my own business. At that point of time, I used to have good camera phones that have helped me to continue my passion. I used to take many pictures and sent them to various newspapers and magazines.

Since 2009, I have concentrated my focus more towards photography as my business was not doing well. Then, I was relocated from Bangalore to Hyderabad. In 2010, I started attending few online workshop and sessions and attended few photo-walks/ talks. I learned a lot from a brand setup in Hyderabad and it helped me in enriching my skills and made more confident.

In 2012, I happened to join an IT company based in Dubai as Sales Manager. Apart from my job I use to have some free time. So in order to utiize my free time more fruitfully, I applied for a part time photographer’s job for a local Bollywood magazine. I gained practical experience and learned the intricacies of photography by covering live shows, press meets and shooting celebrities across the glamorous world of Bollywood.

Attended many fashion photography sessions and at times did wedding photography as well.

2) What is the role of new technology and medium in photography?

Ans: The latest technology in photography had paved the way for many discoveries. The advanced state-of-art technology in photography is doing wonders and I’m in favour of this radical shift.

The biggest role of technology in the medium of photography made a photographer’s life easy. Even a novice photographer can step into the realm of photography with great confidence with the given technological innovations. All you need is to have a great passion and an eye to capture the right moment.

As everything is available on online nowadays, the dearth of inspiration and motivation can be achieved with ease. The present day technology in the publishing industry of photography has taken diverse shapes and doing miracles drawing the attention of the onlooker.

3) Anything specific you want to share with people?

Ans: When it comes learning anything in this world, it is a never ending process. This applies to photography also. One has to keep on updating with the trends and face new challenges to widen oneself. The exposure to the real-time photo shoots will enhance the latent skills in us. In a way, regular participation in photo walks/workshops will become a backbone to strengthen the skills of the photographer. The cutting edge of technology mixed with talent and hard work will certainly create ripples in the world of photography.

4) What gives you the motivation to go out and click despite having busy schedule ongoing medical conditions?

Ans: I am a self-motivated person. I am confident of myself in all situations of life. What ever I do, I do it with 100% dedication. I have turned my passion for photography into a career. Every click makes more confident and gives strength to reach newer heights in my life. Every new assignment is a challenge and I explore it by meeting new people, places, situations, and circumstances.

When I shoot continuously, I will take a break for 10 minutes and drink a lot of water and juices to keep me alert and fit.

About Shiva SS

Shiva born and raised in a small village town in Karnataka later shifted Bangalore. Until 5 years back he was in Dubai worked as a Fashion Celebrity Photographer, now he is in Hyderabad to setup his own concept studio.

He also loves to travel to shoot different Fashion weeks around India and abroad.

He is interested shooting in fashion, wedding, celebrity, editorial, He already shot many big names in Bollywood like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan ,Salman Khan,Kareena Kapoor many more. Also worked with well known fashion designers, international models and makeup artists from UAE and India

He was also official photographer for many bollywood radio stations, event companies and magazines in UAE

See you there at 8.00 am at Kalibari Temple, Chitranjan Park Near market no 4

About Delhi Photography Club

Delhi Photography Club was setup with the intent of taking photography homes. The purpose of the DPC is to stimulate, enable, and nurture a fraternity of photography enthusiasts for mutual benefit.

Due to fast changing internet and mobile devices space, many more people are consuming photos. We want people to store their memories more beautifully. The club is perhaps the first initiative of this kind in the entire country.

To offer situations to practice photography, we do free photo walks every month. For learning the technique, we have workshops for various levels (beginner and intermediate), for motivation, we offer memberships and finally for platform, we have these exhibitions. The club also helps the underserved children to express themselves creatively through its outreach activities.

As a club, we have brought together businessmen, diplomats, doctors, lawyers, homemakers, students and children and helped them in their creative expression using a camera.

The sprawling annual festivities of the 100 year old Pushkar Mela through its dramatic collage of diversified pictures, mirrors the vibrancy of the gracious state of Rajasthan. It is celebrated for five days from the Kartik ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, the full moon day of Kartik (October–November) in Hindu calendar. The full moon day is the main day and the day, according to legend, when the Hindu god Brahma sprung up the Pushkar Lake, thus numerous people swim in its sacred waters. This iconic fair attracts thousands of livestock and almost a million tourists including many from across the world.

Then & Now

The original intention behind the Pushkar Camel Fair was to attract local camel and cattle traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima festival. Today the Pushkar Mela creates a stir among travellers with its awe-inspiring celebrations at this grand event cherished with life oozing activities, cultural and musical events, thrilling camel safari tours and a stay in the traditional yet modern camps. Images of silver bells making heart pleasing jingles, animals walking over sparkling sand dunes and beautifully decked up camels with their owners sitting on their backs has become the most fascinating norm at this stunning cultural retreat. A huge carnival is held, with an array of musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and carousel rides to entertain the crowd. The grand occasion of the Pushkar Mela is definitely a priceless treat for those who wish to eye the vibrant culture and traditions of Rajasthan.

About DPC Photo Bus

DPC is all set for its next photobus trip to Pushkar to witness the world’s largest Camel Fair- ‘The Pushkar Mela’.

A truly unforgettable experience to capture the vibrancy of the entire state of Rajasthan in one place!

Travel Details from Delhi to Pushkar

Date of Journey: 26th October, Thursday

Timings: 10.00 pm (pls be there 15 mins prior to departure)

27th October (Friday): Reach Pushkar by morning, check-in at a Hotel,grab breakfast and rush to the Mela

28th October(Saturday): Morning capture the Sunrise, visit the fair and also doing the local markets of Pushkar.

29th October(Sunday): Visiting the famous Brahma Temple known as the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir.

Late evening head back for Delhi and reach by Monday early morning.

Other Important Details:

Stay: will be on twin sharing basis.

Gear: You may carry tripods, zoom lens and wide-angle lens. Carry some warm clothing, comfortable shoes, shades and sunscreen. A digital camera, batteries and memory card all set! And needless to say – enthusiasm in abundance!

Mode of Travel: We will be travelling by ac tempo traveller

Meal: Simple vegetarian meals will be provided by the club.The group will follow the itinerary mentioned above, however if one wants to visit places at one owns will, can visit accordingly on their own.

Fee (per person): Rs.8500/- Non Members and Rs.8000/- for members (including registration fee of rs.3000).

Fee includes travel & group transfers, stay & meals.

Please carry the balance amount with you (only in cash) You can also pay the remaining amount at our club in Shahpur Jat Village.

23th Sep : DAY 8: Start Back from Leh to Keylong via Sarchu and Night Halt

24th Sep : DAY 9: Keylong to Rohtang Pass Manali to Delhi

25th Sep :DAY 10: Delhi by 10 AM.

Other Important Details

Stay: will be on twin sharing basis in a home stay environment.

Mode of travel: We will be travelling in AC TEMPO traveller together.

Gear: You can carry tripods and wide angle lenses for cameras. Any camera is good for this trip so long as it digital. For yourself, please carry wollen cloths, comfortable shoes, take hats/caps, shades and sunscreen!

Fee (per person): Rs. 33,000/- (including registration fee)

For Members: Rs. 30,000/-

Fee includes travel & group transfers, stay and meals

Does not include tickets for camera and equipment if any)

Please carry the rest of the amount with you (only cash) ,(please ignore if paid already)You can also pay the remaining amount at our club in Shahpur Jat Village.

Please carry your ID cards along, its mandatory.

For further clarifications feel free to call Virendra – 08826712162

Other Important Details

Stay: will be on twin or triple sharing basis in Siala Guest House, a cozy and comfortable home stay environment.

Mode of travel: We will be travelling in an TEMPO traveller .

Gear: You can carry tripods and wide angle lenses for cameras. Any camera is good for this trip so long as it digital. For yourself, please carry wollen cloths , comfortable shoes, take hats/caps, shades and sunscreen!

Fee (per person): 33000 (including registration fee)

For Members: 30000

Fee includes Travel from delhi, Local travel & group transfers, stay and meals

All Inclusive . Need not even pay for extra water bottle.

Please note : If there is any special need please do let us know in advance . For any medical requirements please share the history so that if required we may carry the medications to avoid any mishap.

We nature lovers always tries to find out something different from our surroundings whether it is fauna , flora or the sky. Of course during the rainy season when most of the wildlife parks and the sanctuaries are closed except for the Southern India we look to the clouds which gives us chance to imaging as lot of patterns are formed among the clouds and it depends upon the viewer what he has in mind and what he is looking for.

In the morning hours I always try to look towards the sky before the sun rises and even afterwards and one may be lucky to observe a lovely pattern which one relate to a known thing. Recently a viewer happens to see a Shivalinga in the sky. Another viewer observed lord Budhha in the clouds. I too is in search of something unique for a long time .

It was on 15th of July 2017 when I appear to have seen the formation of AUM in the sky. But really not satisfied. Again search .It was a better representation of AUM which I was looking for on 27th of July 2017.

What is so special about AUM ?

It is considered as most sacred and powerful utterances across all Dharmic traditions of India whether it is Hinduism, Buddhism ,Jainism or even Shikhism as Omkar.

In Sanatan Dharma AUM is the most powerful and spiritual symbol. It is often found at the beginning and end of many mantras.

Adi Shankracharya in his review states that Aum is a symbolization of Atman .

As per Shiva Puran –Shiva is declared to be Aum and Aum is Shiva .

It encompasses all words and all kinds of sounds of the universe.

It represents all the three fold divisions of time ie PAST ,PRESENT and the FUTURE.

The AUM mantra when chanted sequentially activates the stomach ,spinal chord ,throat ,nasal zone and the brain. The energy moves from the abdomen all the way up to brain thereby channelizing energy and activating the super consciousness of our being.

It has a very clear and physiological affect on the body.

Lord Ganesha is identified with AUM or OM . Ganapathi Atharvashirsa refer to this association. Even one can see similarities between the shape of Ganesha body in the iconography and shape of AUM in the Devanagri and Tamil script.

Let us enjoy the beauty of the AUM through the images from the nature .”

About the Author

A retired civil servant by profession but a True wildlifer at Heart . Sh Vinod Goel started his journey from the tender age of 11 years, he left his home and parents for schooling in a hostel. Later on as a Civil Servant his job took him to various parts of the country of India. His very first visit to Kanha National Park in Central India in April 2004 ignited the passion for wildlife and has not digressed from that.

During the last 13 years he had been to more than 50 to 60 National parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Initially he visited the wildlife sanctuaries in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. He had been to all the National Parks of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and West Bengal. Out of 50 tiger reserves in the country he has been to more than 20 tiger reserves and photographed tigers in 12 of them. Apart from tigers he has captured unbelievable moments in the wild.

Sh Vinod Goel is widely known in the wildlife community and his work has been acclaimed globally. In his free time he can be seen capturing the unusual moments of denizens of the wild in various parks and sanctuaries of India. His daughter Nitya Goel Aggarwal and son Bharat Goel are with him in his mission.

Well, It all started 5 years back. Being a software engineer by profession, I was fed up of the monotony of life. So to balance the work life, I chose traveling. I love to travel and explore different places & culture. Initially photography became my reason to travel. As I started exploring the different aspects and techniques of photography, Interest of learning the details of it raised and working on it since then. People choose different ways to express the artist in them, I chose photography.

2. What is the role of new technology and medium in photography.

Technology started a drastic change in the field of photography, and I am in favour of changes. The biggest role of technology and medium is that it gave everybody a chance to try themselves. Photography, which used to be a very expensive hobby, but not anymore. Now a days, because of the technology, photography has became very convenient and affordable. It doesn’t mean everybody is a photographer, but definitely, everybody gets a chance to try out the hidden photographer in them. Also, the ease of reaching out to the audience is very easy. Though important thing to understand here is, with such ease of getting started, comes the big responsibility. So share responsibly which makes sense, it is very easy to blend in the crowd. So one need to figure out its own style of photography to stand out of the crowd.

3. Anything specific that you want to share with people.

It is very important to adapt to the changes and keep learning new things. The best way to learn photography is with consistent touch of mentors and seniors. Try to be in a group of like minded people and share your ideas and experiences.Joining a photography community or club is helpful. If there isn’t any in your area, start one. Try to figure out your own photography style up to that extent that people recognise you with your photograph, not with the credits below it. And believe me, developing a photography style takes years of time. Patience is the key.

4. What gives you motivation to go out and click despite having busy schedules

Very often, a photography idea comes into my mind, to click something specific. That happens randomly, and whenever that happens, I keep a note of it. I keep chasing until I make that photograph which I have plotted in my mind. That is the biggest motivation I have. Thus said, Art is a self motivated activity. Apart from travel photography, I am interested in indoor experimental photography, so that makes life bit easier.

Additionally, Delhi Photography Club, which creates the opportunity to meet like minded people. Such circle pushes you to get together and click regularly, getting feedbacks, sharing your work. A continuity is really necessary, whether you are proceeding slow or fast, all what matters is that you are proceeding.This is the external motivation factor which keeps me going.

About Sachin Arora :

Sachin Arora was born and raised in a small town in Punjab. Shifted to Delhi 8 years back and working as a software engineer since then. He is founder of a medium scale software company, Macizo Technologies Pvt. Ltd. He chose the way of photography to mix technology with the art 5 years back and working since then on it. He loves to travel , explore different cultures & communities and write blogs on his experiences. In photography, he is mainly interested in technical aspects of photography. Photography for him is is something which keeps his mind & body balanced.